THE greatest task councillors undertake each year is putting together the council budget.<\/p>\n
There is a considerable amount of work that goes into this from both council officers and councillors to put the budget together.<\/p>\n
In late April, Council put the 2024-25 draft budget out for public feedback, and it’s now time for the community to have its say.<\/p>\n
Last year there was considerable feedback on numerous matters that Councillors heard loud and clear, and several changes were made to reflect the community’s wishes.<\/p>\n
If you make a budget submission, council will consider what you have said, before council signs off on the final budget in late June.<\/p>\n
As most residents would appreciate, Geelong Council, like many organisations, is operating under challenging financial circumstances.<\/p>\n
The proposed budget forecasts a small operating surplus of $2.07 million in 2024-25, and our focus on new and upgraded facilities to cater for Greater Geelong’s growing population will continue, so there is still plenty of positive news within this budget.<\/p>\n
Sporting facility upgrades in eastern Geelong have been granted $1.85 million.<\/p>\n
The Aldershot Reserve Masterplan will progress with $1.75 million to install a play space, fitness station and improved trails.<\/p>\n
The budget includes direct support for our hospitality industry in the form of reduced al fresco and busking fees, and there is extra funding in 2024-25 to support community-led projects.<\/p>\n
The Community Grants allocation has been lifted by $431,000 to just under $4.48 million, as we continue to invest in this space.<\/p>\n
There is $1 million allocated in 2024-25 and $4.425 million in 2025-26 for the Landy Field pavilion and athletics facilities upgrade.<\/p>\n
This is a much-needed piece of infrastructure and an important space for people of all ages to exercise as well as practice and compete.<\/p>\n
In the short time since council released the draft budget, I have already had a lot of public feedback on what matters to local residents.<\/p>\n
If you wish to discuss the budget, please don’t hesitate to contact me personally at mcadwell@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or on 0403 821 309.<\/p>\n
The proposed budget is available for community feedback until 5pm on Wednesday, May 22 via geelong.link\/Budget24-25<\/p>\n
We want to hear from you on this draft budget and I encourage everybody to speak up and engage in this process.<\/p>\n
Cr Melissa Cadwell<\/p>\n
Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE greatest task councillors undertake each year is putting together the council budget. There is a considerable amount of work that goes into this from both council officers and councillors to put the budget together. In late April, Council put the 2024-25 draft budget out for public feedback, and it’s now time for the community […]<\/p>\n